[Outernational]

Based in Rotterdam, the Outernational label has lived up to its name by scouting beyond Holland’s borders for talent. Their first two releases scooped up tunes by Tomas Malo (UK/Mexico) and Kastil (Spain), and are followed the sophomore effort of Kirill Tipo from Saint Petersburg. Believe In Rhythm displays marked growth from Tipo’s first ever release, Liquid, on Moscow’s Between Us imprint. Liquid was marred somewhat by a hamfisted execution all too readily revealing its influences — Motor City Drum Ensemble, Pepe Bradock, and Levon Vincent — but nonetheless suggested Tipo knew how to assemble a catchy melody. His latest EP refines this sound, which, while still undoubtedly influenced by the first two of those producers, makes a striking impression.

This time Tipo’s arrangements soak up the spirit of classic Bradock or MCDE tracks in the process of making his own. There’s a subtle playfulness to the title track that begins even as it takes its time revealing the supple first chord sequence. The gentle reverberations of its electric piano riff, specifically timed to change with the pads below, converge in an utterly charming manner. Tipo bounces organ chords off broader spaces in “Let Me Know,” its clever ramble of organ notes ringing back from church-like reverb as the title is repeated amidst a flurry of claps. Closer, “Something Tell Ya,” is the most derivative of the bunch, juggling organ progressions that bring to mind Lone’s recent work at Erdbeerschnitzel tempos. Yet it’s still an ear-pleaser that justifies its appearance on wax. And if there are risks in emulating one’s icons too closely, Kirill Tipo does a commendable job dodging them on Believe In Rhythm. Here’s hoping he strays even further in future releases.